So. The ever-helpful runners descended today with puzzled looks on their faces, clutching a white trolley. Their mission – to clear the way for a desk for Clive on the first floor - the home of those who make the programming. Clive is their new boss – and he wants to be close to them. That’s why I was on that floor too, I guess – so I cannot fault his strategy. He’s in charge now – and the plan is that – in due course – I shall disappear to pastures new to graze alongside the other cows.
Joan, my trusty erstwhile PA, with her sparkliest frock on and widest belt, threw away dusty files of dated OFCOM complaints and old merchandising in a bid to clear space. She callen upon Bing the Programme Manager to reach for the rubbish she could not. He’s good like that – and conveniently tall. Within minutes, phones and laptop docking things arrived and a new home was found for our new boss. The speed of installation of his new abode by the technology team would not have been outdone by Anneka Rice.
It was more like Changing Rooms though, as Clive arrived to survey where he planned to live in those brief spells between meetings. He reached for the volume control on the wall (I cannot recall whether he was turning Neil’s Twix Show up or down) and it fell off in his hands.
It’s a busy first floor at Golden Square now, with presentation, marketing, PR, news and digital folk crammed into one place alongside two generations of management. Not sure how Clive’s going to find it down there though. Will he become accustomed to the staff member who does forward rolls down the office; daily blackouts and birthday cake sing songs; the producer who laughs hysterically for ten minutes for no discernible reason; presenters riding blow up dolls; Russ’s daily political insights; and tables full of chocolate?
I remain in my luxury office for now (erected, albeit cheaply, only two months ago) with Clive at his humble new desk crammed in just outside. He seems fine with that, although I shall build him a lean-to should he wish. He knocked to come in my office today which all seemed a little strange, given he kinda owns the door. Joan sits between us like a mistress with her ex husband and new man in the same semi. Thankfully, we all seem to get on. I cannot recall any other blogs written by outgoing Programme Directors about their replacements. This is going to be a heck of a journey for Golden Square – and there is something about it that feels exciting and refreshing.
David
